Quote from an article in Nature this month:
Simple exercise programmes in schools and sports clubs, for example, are probably the most cost-effective investment a society can make in its psychological and physical health
A thought: let’s have a “car day” where everyone who normally cycles, drives.
Maybe then would intolerant drivers, who have slower trips to work, and then can’t find a park when they get there, being to appreciate those of us that cycle.
Maybe then will they not mind waiting 5-10 seconds, every now and then, to pass us on a narrow road.
I like the sound of this new alternative to BMI as a non-invasive measure of body composition.
BAI = Hip circumference (cm)/ (Height (m)x √Height (m)) – 18
Use this Google Spreadsheet to calculate your own BAI.
Here is a description on how to take your hip circumference.
Here is the article in Obesity.
Here’s a summary of my top blog posts over the last year:
1 What is more important: Exercise or Nutrition? January 2008
What muscles does a squat work? September 2007
4 Diet Record Book / Diet Diary / Food Diary: Free Download October 2008
5 Subway vs McDonalds July 2007
Sad that they are all older than 2 years. Got to get some new material…..
From the LA Dodgers:
Today is World Vegetarian Day.
Celebrate in an appropriate manner…
The concept of planning meals ahead of time is not a new one, but well worth reminding ourselves of. Rushed, unplanned events are usually when I get caught out. What you should do is identify when you are getting caught out (ie trying to find lunch in a dairy, or at a store only selling crap) and aim to plan a little better next time.
One of the downsides to Personal Training in New Zealand is the climate. Being able to get outside more often -especially in winter - adds not only enjoyment, but crucial variety, fresh air, and vitamin D.
But it is not only the (winter) climate, there is also a lack of equipment. It is real a downer for people wanting to exercise in the outdoors by themselves, as you find yourself having to use children playgrounds (and getting very strange, angry looks from parents).
Group training sessions have proved to be a good society-wide health initiative. Unfortunately due to the climate I doubt they would pass the “Wet Wednesday Test” in New Zealand – ie if it was a cold, wet Wednesday would you go to an outside free training session?
Cities should build workout areas/circuits in popular exercising areas. I am not talking about building Muscle Beach, but rather a few pieces of equipment spread around popular exercising areas that are totally free to use. It would be interesting to see any studies on the cost/benefit of building such circuits, like I recently saw in Aotea Lagoon. I would imagine they are positive.